Steps are being taken to protect our most vulnerable bird species - in anticipation of a deadly avian flu variant,  arriving on our shores. 

The highly contagious H5N1 strain has been spreading globally - including across the Tasman. 

Now the Department of Conservation's starting to vaccinate kākāpō, takahē, tūturuatu, kakī and kākāriki. 

DOC veterinarian Kate McInnes says the vaccine's safe for these species - and they're closely managed through captive breeding.

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Steps are being taken to protect our most vulnerable bird species - in anticipation of a deadly avian flu variant, &nbsp;arriving on our shores.&nbsp;
The highly contagious H5N1 strain has been spreading globally - including across the Tasman.&nbsp;
Now the Department of Conservation's starting to vaccinate kākāpō, takahē, tūturuatu, kakī and kākāriki.&nbsp;
DOC veterinarian Kate McInnes says the vaccine's safe for these species - and they're closely managed through captive breeding.
LISTEN ABOVE

With a straight down the middle approach, Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive on Newstalk ZB delivers the very latest news and views to New Zealanders as they wrap up their day.

Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive

Kate McInnes: DOC Veterinarian discusses fears around Bird flu reaching New Zealand

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/7784f840-c291-422a-924b-ad9000bbad71/clips/b190d664-8fca-4af9-9079-b47c00639dc3/transcript